Inauguration of the Center for Polish Initiatives in Greece
On January 23, 2024, the ceremonial inauguration of the “Center for Polish Initiatives in Greece” (OIP) and the welcome party of the New Year 2024 took place at Olympia’s Rooftop Cafe Bar. On this occasion, words of gratitude were addressed to all those who have been actively working for the Polish community and Poles in Greece over the past few years.
Among the gathered guests were OIP’s Management Board, members of the “Greek-Polish Association of Friendship and Cooperation”, on the basis of which “Center for Polish Initiatives in Greece” was established, new members, as well as collaborators and editors of the internet portal Polonorama.
The honorary guests of the event included: Mr. Artur Lompart, Ambassador of the Republic of Poland in Athens; Mr. Sławomir Pyl, Head of the Consular Department of the Republic of Poland in Athens; Col. Jan Kurdziałek, Defense Attaché; Ms. Krystyna Arkouda, Vice-President of OIP organisation; Ms. Elżbieta Paziou, Treasurer of the OIP organisation; Mrs. Lidia Ostrowska, Representative of the Nadwiślańska Tourist Agency; Mr. Arkadiusz Wielgosz, Vice-President of the Polish-Greek Chamber of Commerce; Mrs. Agnieszka Świder, Chairwoman of the Athens Polish School Parents’ Council.
Mr. Paweł Gmoch, co-founder of the OIP organization, officially welcomed the guests and reminded them of the key moments in the “Greek-Polish Association of Friendship and Cooperation”‘s history. He also expressed optimism for the organization’s expansion and the necessity of Polish community members participating in events that promote Poland and Polish-Greek relations.
Following the brief presentation, the President of OIP, Ms. Beata Panagiotopoulou, invited Mr. Artur Lompart, Ambassador of the Republic of Poland in Athens, to speak, who in turn expressed his appreciation for the undertaking and declared his willingness to cooperate and assist in the activities undertaken. He also expressed gratitude to the Editor-in-Chief, Mrs. Marzena Mavridis, and the representatives of the Polonorama portal for their undertaking in organising exciting events with hopes of promoting our national and cultural traditions in Greece. Polonorama’s Editor-in-Chief, Ms. Marzena Mavridis, expressed gratitude and awarded individuals who helped the portal carry out its 2023 initiatives and activities with a symbolic medal.
In the end, according to Greek tradition, a Vassilopita was cut during the meeting, and the lucky winner of the found coin, Mr. Andrzej Szostek, received a voucher for a two-day stay at the luxurious Anavalos hotel in Kiveri, in the Peloponnese. The award was a kind contribution from the hotel’s owners, Sylwia and Jacek Kurantowicz.
Overall, it was a pleasant and creative meeting of the active Polish diaspora who have been working for the Polish community for many years. In a friendly atmosphere with a beautiful view of the Acropolis, everyone had the opportunity to reflect, exchange experiences, and share new, interesting ideas.
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